419 Courses in Birmingham

The work of a technical team is invariably challenging and often unpredictable. Definition of the work can be problematic, timescales can be hard to estimate and the right technical approach difficult to select. Staff involved in this type of work usually have very high levels of specialist knowledge in their field and have high expectations of those who lead them. In addition to the challenges of the work, the team leader often has to balance the need for professional excellence with financial and commercial considerations and to ensure that team goals are realistic by being an effective negotiator with other project and senior managers. These characteristics make technical team leadership a demanding and complex activity. This programme aims to help participants develop the skills needed to become an effective technical team leader. The objectives of this programme are to help participants: understand the significance of leadership skills and their impact on team performance review the key skills needed to be an effective, 'multi-dimensional' team leader and learn how to develop, adapt and apply them in practice learn how to identify the preferred leadership style for the context and organisational culture and how to develop personal style versatility understand the role of the project leader in building an effective team and the skills required to promote and sustain team performance gain a better understanding of the interpersonal skills needed to motivate individual team members and harness the full potential of the team DAY ONE 1 Technical teams and leadership What is a leader? How much can leadership be learned? The team environment and the impact of leadership skills The characteristics of high performance teams and their leaders Some useful models and theories of leadership explored Types of leadership; choosing how to use leadership power Evaluating personal leadership style; how to develop style flexibility 2 Essential skills for team leaders 3 key dimensions of effective leadership: inwards, outwards and upwards Developing and promoting a 'team vision': strategic thinking skills The vital role of communication skills and how to develop them Understanding others; emotional intelligence skills Being a visible leader; behavioural and influencing skills Building effective relationships; the importance of trust and respect DAY TWO 3 Leading inwards to build the team The role of leadership in developing team performance Understanding individuals in the team; recognising team role preferences Managing conflict and promoting positive team dynamics Setting standards, maintaining discipline and rewarding performance Harnessing team potential: building motivation within the team Promoting team learning; the team leader as coach / mentor 4 Leading outwards and upwards to support the team Negotiating realistic team goals; effective influencing skills Gaining empowerment and support from the key stakeholders Leading upwards: knowing when and how to take the initiative Building team credibility within the organisation; helping the team deliver Becoming an effective team player in leadership teams Building and maintaining rapport with influential stakeholders

Recognising the value of, and practising, clear and open communication at all levels is the first step to improving performance, whether at an individual, team, management, leadership or organisational level. We all know this, but why is it so difficult? This unique programme will make it much, much easier for you by giving you a robust framework to use - and the opportunity to practise your skills in a safe, supportive environment. It will help you have conversation that deliver tangible results. The programme will help you: Overcome the barriers to effective performance conversations Handle feedback conversations effectively Improve working relationships with your staff Set realistic expectations and targets (and get 'buy-in' for them) Improve your communication style Plan and prepare for honest conversations in the workplace 1 What is an honest conversation? Why don't we have them more often? What stops us? The cost of not having them 2 The feedback conversation Dealing with the impact of feedback conversations 3 Preparing for conflict 4 Effective working relationships 5 The expectations conversation 6 The targets conversation 7 Your communication styles 8 Planning and preparing for an honest conversation 9 Giving and receiving feedback skills

This practical, enjoyable day will give you the tools to go and do your job effectively and the opportunity to practise using them in a safe and supportive environment before putting them into practice for real back in the workplace. To inspire, you need to be inspired!Having the right set of skills, tools and techniques helps us to manage in a productive and beneficial way. Above all, the workshop will inspire you with the determination to engage with the people you manage to produce greater levels of achievement. This workshop will enable you to: Understand what the role of the manager is Engage and inspire a team to perform Recognise the range of styles appropriate for different situations and how your communication style impacts Provide clear direction on your team's purpose, role and responsibilities Understand how to create a motivating environment for those who report to you Hold them accountable for delivery Hold performance conversations Review and evaluate your learning and have a plan to take back and implement at work 1 Bringing the role to life Starting the day with sharing your current ideals and approaches using the pre workshop task Understanding what you bring to your role and your objectives for the day 2 The role and responsibilities of a manager: an overview Responsibility and accountability Producing results Managing teams Developing individuals 3 Communication excellence The model of a team communicator What type of communicator are you and what about your team? Practical interactive group exercise 4 Your role as a team leader - shaping how we work using the organisation's values Your role Your team's role Enabling your team to deliver in a changing mindset 5 Engaging and motivating your team Exercise: using a leadership model to explore how you are enabling your team to engage with current change, what's getting in the way and how you will manage this in your organisational context Peer and group task and discussion 6 Addressing motivation at team and individual level in times of change Exercises:Identifying approaches to motivating people at work based on a work based model of motivation: team taskExploring a behavioural model of motivation: team discussion Review in plenary 7 Holding people accountable The work cycle model of team performance: Agree purposeSet objectivesMonitor performanceProvide feedbackCompliance vs. commitment Professional discussion in small groups Exercise: Practising short conversations using peer coaching support 8 Review of learning and action planning Personal review and action planning Group review of learning Evaluation

This training day will help managers explore what they need to do to create a motivating environment at work and learn some theory, tools and ideas to inspire motivation at individual and team level. Motivation is a key factor in effective people management and successful team performance. It involves engaging and inspiring your people and developing them in such ways as to improve their effectiveness and thus have a greater benefit to customers. It can also involve having tough conversations with those who do not seem to be motivated. By the end of the workshop participants will be able to: Identify key motivating factors at work and learn and create ideas to better engage staff Learn a conversation tool to use for challenging discussions Explain their role in motivating staff and understand a range of techniques and approaches to use in the workplace Review learning and have an action plan to take back and implement at work 1 Welcome, housekeeping, objectives Breaking the ice Setting personal objectives 2 Group work: identifying personal motivators and where they come from 3 Defining motivation The characteristics of a motivated team Input and group discussion 4 Factors impacting on motivation at work Using pre-work to identify challenges, hotspots and obstacles Feedback in plenary Exploring the benefits of motivation that address current challenges and agreeing outcomes for change 5 Commitment vs. compliance - organisational engagement and the manager's approach to buy in 6 Team challenge task using a theory about motivation Trainer input and review in plenary 7 Group task - complete a plan for individuals identified in pre-workshop task 8 Skill / will - a motivation tool: trainer input, followed by tasks that are assessed and discussed in peer groups 1-2-1 feedback task on approaches and plans to be taken back and used at work Feedback and plenary review 9 DEAL - a conversation tool: how to construct a conversation plan about motivation with an individual Peer professional 1-2-1s to practice the discussion planned and gain feedback 10 Review, evaluation and action planning

The course concentrates on management skills and techniques for creating an effective supervisory relationship and process. Emphasis is placed on interpersonal skills. Course Aims: • To provide participants with the skills necessary, knowledge and values that underpin effective supervision • Understand what supervision is • Describe the role of the supervisor • Describe how to develop other supervisors • Plan for effective supervision • Identify techniques to use during supervision sessions

Being a Mentor in the Early Years

Team development to improve business performance. Quantifiable results. Change measured. &0+% of teams are measured as more effective after 6 months.

Course Duration: Half-day or full-day program (with virtual and in-person options) Target Audience: Professionals working remotely, hybrid teams, managers, HR leaders, and individuals looking to improve their work-life integration in today’s fast-paced, digital-first work environment. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand the concept of work-life integration versus work-life balance. Recognise the challenges and benefits of working remotely or in hybrid settings. Learn practical strategies for managing boundaries, time, and energy. Cultivate habits that support both productivity and personal well-being. Apply tools to foster sustainable work-life integration in their teams and organisations. Course Outline Module 1: Rethinking Work-Life Integration The difference between work-life balance and work-life integration The challenges of work-life boundaries in a remote-first world The impact of technology on personal and professional lives Why flexibility matters: remote work as a tool for integration, not separation Module 2: Understanding Your Energy and Time Identifying personal energy patterns throughout the day Time audit: understanding how you currently allocate time and energy The role of breaks, boundaries, and rituals in energy management Tools for task prioritisation: Pomodoro, time blocking, and task batching Module 3: Managing Boundaries in a Digital World Setting and communicating clear boundaries for work and personal time Managing "always-on" culture in a remote environment Tools for setting expectations with colleagues and managers Creating a dedicated workspace and establishing personal rituals Saying no effectively: how to manage overcommitment and avoid burnout Module 4: Navigating Flexibility and Productivity The benefits and challenges of flexible working hours Time management strategies for remote and hybrid work settings Overcoming distractions: creating a productive work environment at home Staying focused and motivated without the physical office Managing work interruptions and creating space for personal time Module 5: Well-Being in Remote and Hybrid Work Importance of self-care and mental health in work-life integration Strategies for staying physically active, social, and mentally engaged remotely Building habits for sleep, mindfulness, and recovery Setting clear personal and professional goals to stay aligned with values Techniques for managing stress and avoiding burnout in a remote environment Module 6: Building a Remote-First Culture Leading with empathy: supporting remote teams’ well-being Fostering communication, trust, and accountability in hybrid teams Encouraging regular check-ins, feedback loops, and work-life check-ups Building a culture of flexibility and autonomy while maintaining performance Best practices for team collaboration and social connection in remote environments Module 7: Action Planning for Sustainable Integration Developing a personalised work-life integration plan Identifying areas of improvement: time, energy, boundaries, and well-being Setting achievable goals for short-term and long-term work-life integration Peer sharing: tips and strategies that have worked for you Building accountability structures: partners, progress tracking, and revisiting goals Delivery Style Highly interactive, with a mix of discussions, reflection exercises, and case studies Practical tools, tips, and templates that participants can apply immediately Group activities to share experiences and learn from peers Guided self-reflection and action planning for immediate impact Course Materials Provided Work-Life Integration Guide Time Audit Worksheet and Energy Mapping Tools Setting Boundaries Framework and Template Remote Work Well-Being Checklist Personal Action Plan for Sustainable Integration Resource list: Apps, podcasts, and books on work-life integration Optional Add-ons Post-course coaching or check-in sessions Customised team workshop focused on hybrid work challenges Leadership session on managing remote-first teams effectively Follow-up webinars on remote collaboration and staying connected

Course Duration: Half-day or full-day program (with virtual and in-person options) Target Audience: Professionals working remotely, hybrid teams, managers, HR leaders, and individuals looking to improve their work-life integration in today’s fast-paced, digital-first work environment. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand the concept of work-life integration versus work-life balance. Recognise the challenges and benefits of working remotely or in hybrid settings. Learn practical strategies for managing boundaries, time, and energy. Cultivate habits that support both productivity and personal well-being. Apply tools to foster sustainable work-life integration in their teams and organisations. Course Outline Module 1: Rethinking Work-Life Integration The difference between work-life balance and work-life integration The challenges of work-life boundaries in a remote-first world The impact of technology on personal and professional lives Why flexibility matters: remote work as a tool for integration, not separation Module 2: Understanding Your Energy and Time Identifying personal energy patterns throughout the day Time audit: understanding how you currently allocate time and energy The role of breaks, boundaries, and rituals in energy management Tools for task prioritisation: Pomodoro, time blocking, and task batching Module 3: Managing Boundaries in a Digital World Setting and communicating clear boundaries for work and personal time Managing "always-on" culture in a remote environment Tools for setting expectations with colleagues and managers Creating a dedicated workspace and establishing personal rituals Saying no effectively: how to manage overcommitment and avoid burnout Module 4: Navigating Flexibility and Productivity The benefits and challenges of flexible working hours Time management strategies for remote and hybrid work settings Overcoming distractions: creating a productive work environment at home Staying focused and motivated without the physical office Managing work interruptions and creating space for personal time Module 5: Well-Being in Remote and Hybrid Work Importance of self-care and mental health in work-life integration Strategies for staying physically active, social, and mentally engaged remotely Building habits for sleep, mindfulness, and recovery Setting clear personal and professional goals to stay aligned with values Techniques for managing stress and avoiding burnout in a remote environment Module 6: Building a Remote-First Culture Leading with empathy: supporting remote teams’ well-being Fostering communication, trust, and accountability in hybrid teams Encouraging regular check-ins, feedback loops, and work-life check-ups Building a culture of flexibility and autonomy while maintaining performance Best practices for team collaboration and social connection in remote environments Module 7: Action Planning for Sustainable Integration Developing a personalised work-life integration plan Identifying areas of improvement: time, energy, boundaries, and well-being Setting achievable goals for short-term and long-term work-life integration Peer sharing: tips and strategies that have worked for you Building accountability structures: partners, progress tracking, and revisiting goals Delivery Style Highly interactive, with a mix of discussions, reflection exercises, and case studies Practical tools, tips, and templates that participants can apply immediately Group activities to share experiences and learn from peers Guided self-reflection and action planning for immediate impact Course Materials Provided Work-Life Integration Guide Time Audit Worksheet and Energy Mapping Tools Setting Boundaries Framework and Template Remote Work Well-Being Checklist Personal Action Plan for Sustainable Integration Resource list: Apps, podcasts, and books on work-life integration Optional Add-ons Post-course coaching or check-in sessions Customised team workshop focused on hybrid work challenges Leadership session on managing remote-first teams effectively Follow-up webinars on remote collaboration and staying connected

Developing the high performing team takes time and effort. But above all, it requires an understanding of the dynamics of high performing teams. This programme helps managers and leaders understand what high performing teams do and how they do it. It focuses on enabling managers to see their teams from different perspectives, allowing them to adapt their styles to maximise team outputs. A core theme is the need for managers of teams to 'hold up the mirror' to themselves and to see themselves as a leader of people, to reflect on how others see them and to modify their style accordingly. This programme will help managers / team leaders: Analyse the constituents of a 'high performing' team Apply essential influencing techniques Use a range of communication techniques to support effective teamwork Create and articulate team vision Generate common values Assess team effectiveness and take/recommend the appropriate actions Make more efficient use of team time Understand and agree on techniques to manage conflict Define and implement team meeting protocols that will facilitate team effectiveness Use the Prime Focus model to create the environment and framework for a high performing team Draft your team strategy to take them to the next level Day 1 1 Welcome and introduction Participants are welcomed to the programme and invited to share their personal objectives and people challenges Participants are given an action plan template to complete throughout the workshop 2 Your team The concept of 'positive intention' The difference between a team and a high performing team Assess your team effectiveness What is your 'interference'? 3 The team environment Setting the scene Building rapport Active listening Team goals and role profiling 4 Your style Tuckman model of team stages - how do you manage each stage? Team standards and goals Your team vision 5 Effective team meetings Influencing in team meetings How to make them interesting and relevant The pure role of the chair Day 2 1 Effective communication techniques Giving and receiving feedback Your communication style How to adapt, pace and lead to build rapport The Mehrabian theory of communication 2 How to manage conflict What is conflict? What is your default conflict approach? Tools and tips for managing conflict Practice sessions 3 Team skills Undertake a team skills analysis Types of team member Motivating team members Reframing situations 4 Setting your strategy Seeing the bigger picture The Prime Focus Model Your strategy for success Articulating your strategy Action plans revisited